POLICE said they were following “positive” developments in their bid to identify a gang of thugs who rampaged through a Black Country town centre during a protest over a mosque.

Violent scenes flared as members of the English Defence League and the Dudley Interfaith Alliance descended on Dudley for rival demonstrations on July 17.

Around 500 EDL supporters gathered on Stafford Street, chanting and waving England flags. Trouble erupted as police were met with a barrage of bricks and metal missiles when they attempted to get the protesters back on to buses.

Several shops and cars in the town were damaged and police said they would trawl through hours of CCTV footage to find the offenders.

Detectives released these CCTV images of men from both sets of demonstrators they want to question over offences of criminal damage and disorder and today re-appealed for help to identify the men.

Det Insp Carl Southwick, from Force CID, said: “We have had some positive responses and are now pursuing those lines of inquiry.

“We are appealing to people to look closely at these images. If you recognise any of these individuals or believe you have information that may help, I urge you to come forward.

“A total of 20 offences were reported with people having windows smashed and cars damaged.”

Anyone who recognises these men or who witnessed the incidents is asked to contact West Midlands Police Force CID, Operation Belvedere, on 0121 428 6123.